ACTUATE Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'actuate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of actuate are drive , impel , and move . While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion. // turbines actuated by waterpower

Q: When could 'drive' be used to replace 'actuate'?

The synonyms drive and actuate are sometimes interchangeable, but drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus. // a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Q: Where would 'impel' be a reasonable alternative to 'actuate'?

The words impel and actuate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus. // a candidate impelled by ambition

Q: When is it sensible to use 'move' instead of 'actuate'?

In some situations, the words move and actuate are roughly equivalent. However, move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position. // moved the furniture

actuate

verb

Definition of actuate next

as in to activate

to cause to function a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to move

to set or keep in motion hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb actuate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of actuate are drive, impel, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

When could drive be used to replace actuate?

The synonyms drive and actuate are sometimes interchangeable, but drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

Where would impel be a reasonable alternative to actuate?

The words impel and actuate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

When is it sensible to use move instead of actuate?

In some situations, the words move and actuate are roughly equivalent. However, move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture